Oman, the land of frankincense, golden beaches, and rugged mountain ranges, is a hidden gem in the Middle East with a rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. Oman’s coastline stretches for over 1,700 km and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the region, from Musandam in the far north, to the coastal capital Muscat, and Salalah in the south. Turtles and dolphins are frequently spotted in the tuquoise waters of the Gulf of Oman, and the pristine sands and handful of high-quality, low-impact resorts offer a perfect winter sun escape which is a marked contrast to the high-rise development of its neighbours in the UAE. Beyond the beaches, Oman’s diverse landscape is characterized by majestic mountains, deep valleys, and vast deserts that offer exciting opportunities for adventure and exploration. The Hajar Mountains are a popular destination for hikers and climbers, while the Wahiba Sands and Rub al Khali deserts are perfect for those seeking a night in true wilderness beneath pristine starry skies.
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Planning your trip
Most trips to Oman start in the capital Muscat. Oman Air flies direct from the UK using a modern fleet of high-end planes, in a 7 hour flight from Heathrow. There are a number of indirect route as well, such as Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Qatar via Doha and Emirates via Dubai, some of which have options to depart from regional airports in the UK.
Musandam in the far north is cut off from the rest of the country by a chunk of the UAE so the quickest way to access this area is to fly into Dubai and then take a road transfer across the border (around 2 hours including border crossing).
Getting around Oman can be done by road or for longer distances, by air. The majority of first-time visitors fly into Muscat and then take 4×4 road transfers to the mountains and/or desert. Those with more time can take the coast road from Muscat all the way down to Salalah with a couple of interesting stops on the way.A 4×4 is required For those combining air runs a small network of domestic flights connecting Musandam, Muscat and Salalah in the south.
and and a number of airlines offer direct flights from the UK. Argentina is a vast country, (the world’s eighth largest), and flying is the best way of getting around for those planning a multi-centre trip. Fortunately, the country’s key attractions are well served by regional airports. Aerolíneas Argentinas, the national airline, offers the most domestic flights. However, it’s worth noting that demand for internal flights is high in December, January, February and July, so early booking is recommended.
Quick country facts
- Recommended airlines
British Airways (Direct), Iberia (via Madrid) - Flight time
14 hours non-stop - Time zone
GMT -3 - Visa requirements
No visa required for 90 day stay (UK passport)
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Accommodation and costs
Hotel accommodation is plentiful and of a high standard, with a good range of options to suit all budgets. A stay at an estancia is very good value for money and all meals are included.
How long to stay
It’s possible to explore much of what Argentina has to offer in two weeks, with the average itinerary visiting four or five areas, staying at 2-3 nights in each.
Weather and when to go
Argentina’s climate ranges from sub-tropical jungle in the north to frozen ice caps in the south.
The high season months of November to February are the ideal months for travellers to experience the different areas of the country. This is also when Iguazú Falls are at their most spectacular. Patagonia is also best visited during these months. It’s important to note that there is only one hotel in the Iguazú National Park itself – the Sheraton Resort and Spa. So it’s essential to book well ahead.
Buenos Aires gets very hot during this period and visitors may find the months of September to November and March to May more comfortable. March is also when the Mendoza region has its grape harvests and wine festival.
- JAN
- Best
- Good
- OK
- NOT ADVISED
